Temperatures in the workplace have long been a point of discussion not just for safety professionals and managers but for anyone who works in a busy office.  Ever since the days fo the Factories Act we have had defined figures for what is and isn’t acceptable but these have always been regarding the minimum and not maximum temperature; 16oC after the first hour of work for offices and 13oC for those in more active jobs in warehousing for example.

However, this isn’t to say that the minimums apply to everyone as there are some jobs where it just wouldn’t be practicable to provide that level of heat, for example; those working in construciton on outside projects ro staff employed in cold stores – exceptions can even be made for reception areas as long as a localised heat source is supplied.

But, when it comes to high temperatures with have no limits precribed by legislation but we do still have a duty of care to our employees and others so how do we go about applying this?
Well, it is true to say that things have changed slightly of late with new guidance being issued by HSE on thermal stress which applies directly to office environments.  Should your staff complain this gives clear guidance on what you must consider.

If the answer is YES to the above, then you may need to conduct a thermal comfort risk assessment. When conducting a risk assessment:

• listen to your workers views and concerns. They are experts in their jobs, and may have noticed things that are not immediately obvious. Also speak to your employees representatives (e.g. unions and other staff associations) in the workplace,
• contact industry federations or associations etc, and consider speaking to managers in other companies that are involved in the same business as your own;
• seek expert advice.

Identifying the problems

Is a detailed risk assessment required, or might the problem be solved simply? Simple solutions may include:

• closing windows in air conditioned offices;
• pulling down blinds to prevent solar radiant heat etc;
• providing employees with sufficient control to adapt the environment by adding or removing layers of clothing;
• look – visually inspect the workplace to identify hazards that may impact on employee thermal comfort;
• look for patterns in the absenteeism rates, types of illnesses and their frequency of occurrence, the nature of employee complaints etc.
• take particular note of where the employee may work, their job, how experienced they are, whether any illnesses are recurring etc.

Things to look out for include:

• Are there any heat sources in the workplace?
• Are workers exposed to external climatic conditions?
• Are workers wearing PPE?
• Are workers involved in intensive physical activity?